Star-Studded Opening Ceremony of World Cup 2026 in Mexico City

The opening ceremony of the 2026 World Cup dazzled fans at Mexico City’s stadium on Thursday. International stars like Shakira, Maná, Andrea Bocelli, and a surprise appearance by Salma Hayek thrilled the audience before the match between Mexico and South Africa.

Shakira and the World Cup 2026 Anthem

Shakira performed “Dai Dai,” the official World Cup 2026 song, with Burna Boy. Known for her hit “Waka Waka (This Is Africa)” at the 2010 South Africa World Cup, she aims to replicate its success with “Dai Dai.”

A good World Cup song needs rhythm. It should make people want to dance and sing along loudly. It has to have that kind of energy, Shakira told The Associated Press.

The Colombian star has a history of memorable World Cup performances including the 2006 Germany World Cup with “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Waka Waka” in 2010, and “La La La” at the 2014 Brazil World Cup. She will also perform at the first halftime show of a World Cup final on July 19 with Madonna and BTS at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Warm Welcome for All

Lila Downs welcomed fans and players in multiple languages: Spanish, English, and indigenous Mixtec and Nahuatl. She emphasized Mexico’s diversity, heritage, and spirit.

People of the world, welcome to Mexico. We greet you with smiles from our hearts, Downs said, wearing a traditional indigenous huipil.

Born in Tlaxiaco, Oaxaca to a Mixtec mother and a Scottish American father, Downs expressed her pride in supporting Mexico’s team.

Maná Electrifies the Stadium

Maná energized the crowd with “Oye mi amor,” surrounded by pre-Hispanic dancers. The band, established in 1986, has sold over 40 million albums. They announced an upcoming Latin America stadium tour, including stops in Bogota, Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City.

From Iztapalapa to the World

The Mexican cumbia group Los Ángeles Azules, joined by Belinda, performed “Por Ella” from the “Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album.” Their origin in Iztapalapa, a working-class district in Mexico City, is celebrated in their performances nationwide.

J Balvin delivered a dynamic show, driving a cardboard car to his song “Qué calor,” and collaborating with Ryan Castro on “Una a la vez.” The performance concluded with his hit “I Like It.” Balvin has prior global stage experience, having appeared at the 2020 Super Bowl halftime show.

Danny Ocean and Iconic Representations

Danny Ocean performed “Partidazo” surrounded by dancers in modernized traditional Jalisco dresses. Two Labubu figures in football kits appeared after performances by Los Ángeles Azules and Belinda.

Hollywood and Football

Salma Hayek, actress and producer, gave a brief welcome speech during the first official parade showcasing all 48 participating countries’ flags. Hayek, from Veracruz, expressed Mexico’s pride in hosting the initial match of this cherished football tradition.

Married to François-Henri Pinault, Hayek serves as an ambassador for the 2026 World Cup.

Opera and K-pop Together

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and South Korean star EJAE performed “DNA,” the official World Cup hymn, with DJ and producer David Guetta. Bocelli recently performed in Mexico City’s Zócalo for a crowd of over 130,000. EJAE is known for her roles in K-pop themed productions and composing award-winning songs.

National Anthems by Notable Artists

Tyla and Alejandro Fernández sang the national anthems of South Africa and Mexico, respectively, before the opening match. Tyla, the youngest African artist to win a Grammy, brought her acclaimed talent to the World Cup stage. Fernández, a figure in regional Mexican music and son of the late Vicente Fernandez, performed “Mi México lindo” for the “Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Album.”

Reporters Maria Sherman and Mallika Sen contributed to this story from New York.